A neutral atom with 12 protons and 12 electrons has what electric charge?

Study for the ACS Organic Chemistry Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A neutral atom with 12 protons and 12 electrons has what electric charge?

Explanation:
Electric charge is the sum of the charges of all the particles in the atom. Protons carry a +1 charge and electrons carry a -1 charge, while neutrons are neutral. With 12 protons and 12 electrons, the positive charges (+12) cancel the negative charges (-12), giving a net charge of zero. Neutrons don’t affect the charge, so the atom is electrically neutral. If there were more protons than electrons, it would be positively charged; more electrons would make it negatively charged.

Electric charge is the sum of the charges of all the particles in the atom. Protons carry a +1 charge and electrons carry a -1 charge, while neutrons are neutral. With 12 protons and 12 electrons, the positive charges (+12) cancel the negative charges (-12), giving a net charge of zero. Neutrons don’t affect the charge, so the atom is electrically neutral. If there were more protons than electrons, it would be positively charged; more electrons would make it negatively charged.

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